If you’ve ever stared at your Sephora cart wondering what’s actually worth it vs. what just looks good on TikTok… same. The Sephora Sale is the perfect time to stock up—but only if you’re buying things you’ll actually use.

Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of what to grab, what to skip, and what I’m testing this year 👇

Quick Event Breakdown (Save This)

Rouge: 20% off
VIB: 15% off
Insiders: 10% off
Sephora Collection: 30% off

1. My Repurchase List (aka Actually Worth the Money)

These are my staples—the products I’ve used up and bought again (which says everything).

Dior Foundation Stick – Easy, natural, and perfect for everyday wear
K18 Dry Shampoo – Absorbs oil without leaving buildup or that weird white cast
Rhode Under Eye Patches – Quick fix for tired, puffy mornings
L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil – Makes your skin feel ridiculously soft
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Serum – Noticeable glow + helps with dark spots
Makeup by Mario Lipliner – Smooth, long-lasting, and beginner-proof

Rule of thumb: If you already love it, buy it on sale. This is not the time to experiment with your essentials.

2. If You’re Starting From Scratch (Beginner Kit)

If you’re building your routine from zero, this is a solid, no-regrets lineup:

Iconic London Underglow Blurring Primer – Smooth base without feeling heavy
Haus Labs Foundation – Skin-like, blendable, and forgiving
Hourglass Concealer – High coverage but still creamy
Makeup by Mario Cream Bronzer – Easy to blend (no harsh lines)
Patrick Ta “She’s Flushed” Blush – Gives that healthy, glowy flush
Laura Mercier Ultra Blur Setting Powder – Locks everything in without looking cakey
Benefit BADgal Mascara – Big lashes without too much effort
Rare Beauty Lip Gloss – Comfortable, not sticky
One Size Powder Melt Setting Spray – Keeps makeup in place all day

Beginner tip: Focus on products that are easy to blend and forgiving. You don’t need full glam—just build a solid base.

3. What I’d Skip (Save Your Money)

Not everything viral is worth it—these just didn’t deliver for me:

Givenchy Prisme Libre Illuminating Loose Powder
→ No noticeable glow or color correction. Returned immediately.
Saie Tinted Moisturizer
→ Hard to blend + scent wasn’t it (think play-doh vibes).
Charlotte Tilbury Skin Glow Tint
→ Underwhelming. Other glow products perform better under makeup.
Rhode Lip Liner
→ Doesn’t stay put—defeats the purpose of a liner.

Reminder: If a product doesn’t perform for your needs, it’s not worth it—even on sale.

4. What I’m Trying This Year

Because let’s be honest… we are trying a few new things.

Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil – For sheer, hydrating shine
Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain – Supposedly long-lasting (we’ll see 👀)
Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain – Curious if the hype is real
Rhode Peptide Lip Boost Mask – For that plump, glossy look

My strategy: Pick 1–3 new items max. Everything else should be tried-and-true.

Final Thoughts

The Sephora Sale is not about buying more—it’s about buying smarter.

Stick to:

Repurchasing your staples
Filling actual gaps in your routine
Testing a few fun extras

Skip:

Overhyped products that don’t fit your needs
Anything you’re unsure about (that’s how carts get out of control 😅)

If you’re a beginner, you really don’t need 20 products—you just need the right ones.

Happy shopping 🖤

Sephora Sale: What’s Actually Worth Buying (From a Beauty Beginner)